Chapter Thirty Seven

Edward

Tanya and I hadn't got far before we were intercepted by the Volturi guard and taken to Aro, although what he was doing so close to Forks I could only guess, was he the one who was responsible for the murders? Tanya was terrified, she'd seen her mother murdered by the Volturi so she had good reason to while I was nervous because I knew Aro wanted my gift in the guard. But this had nothing to do with collecting me, this was all to do with my brothers little human. Aro wanted her and he was hoping I would help him.

"Edward, what a lovely surprise, you appear just when I am in need of your services. Tell me about the human girl"

He held out his hand and I couldn't refuse so he saw everything,

"So Tanya, still doing what you do best I see. You don't like the girl? That could work to my advantage. She seems remarkably strong and outspoken for a human especially when surrounded by vampires."

"We were returning to Denali"

He turned his cold eyes on Tanya,

"Of course you were and who am I to stop you? I just need a little of your time that's all my dear."

"You want me to tell you what Caius plan is?"

"Yes, I'm sure you could manage that for me Edward, call it a show of good faith."

"It means betraying my family."

"True but it's either that or I destroy all of them. Which would you prefer?"

I had no choice but I didn't want to take Tanya back with me,

"She's welcome to stay here if you prefer of course"

Tanya shuddered and moved closer to me, even her gift didn't make the Volturi any more appealing.

"It seems she would rather stay with you Edward. Oh yes, don't take too long, I have an appointment with my brother and I'd hate to be late, its such bad manners."

We turned back to Forks unhappy with my task,

"We could just leave Edward"

"Really? And you think Aro would be OK with that? Because I sincerely doubt it Tanya."

"And you think that going back to the Cullen house is going to be any easier?"

"We don't have to go in, I can hear their thoughts from outside, we just have to get close."

"And if we're discovered what's our excuse?"

"If its one of the guys you can use your charms and distract him, tell; him I came back for something I left in our room."

"And they are going to believe that?"

"As long as it gives me time to read their minds it doesn't really matter Tanya besides we wont get caught."

We made our way cautiously back to the house where to my relief there were no signs of life outside although I could hear movement inside the house. While Tanya kept watch I listened in, getting close enough to pick out each persons thoughts. I caught Carlisle and Charlie, Bella's father whose only concern was for his daughter and the world he found himself in. The others including Jasper were out. Carlisle was thinking about my dear brother, so he'd fallen off the wagon at last. I didn't believe his reasons for one second, keeping Bella safe was just an excuse to get the human blood he craved so much. He forgot, I knew his thoughts, he'd lived on human blood so long that animal blood was like water in comparison. It was interesting to hear how close he felt to the human girl Bella. Had my brother finally fallen in love? Found his mate in a weak human girl who even now was crossing swords with the Volturi? Speaking of which where was the girl? I couldn't read her thoughts although I could hear a second heartbeat. So, somehow her thoughts were shielded from my gift, that was interesting and something good to report back to Aro. I didn't want to be here when Jasper got back, if he had been feeding on human blood he would be doubly dangerous even with Tanya's gift working on him. We were about to leave when I heard Carlisle's words, so the humans mother was due. It would be interesting to see her and who if any friends she had with her. What I hadn't expected was the huge black truck that drew up outside a minute later. Nor the occupants, Caius, Alec, and Felix Volturi. So, she had powerful friends. I wondered if Aro already knew this? I should hang around a little longer and see what their thoughts and conversation told me.

Tanya tugged on my arm,

"Edward let's go. It's too dangerous to stay now the Volturi are here. I don't want to end up in the middle of a war."

I shrugged her off,

"Just a minute Tanya, keep watch."

I listened to the conversation as long as I dared but learned little new except that Caius suspected Aro thought he had an ally in Alec. We crept away and Tanya didn't relax until we were back at the rendezvous point with Aro. I told him everything I'd heard and he smiled,

"Thank you Edward, that's most interesting. Do you think Bella herself was protecting her thoughts or someone else in the house?"

"I didn't feel anyone else nor did I hear any stray thoughts."

"But if they had a shield for a friend you wouldn't would you? A shield like Renata here."

I shook my head, he was right of course but I didn't think anyone else had been in the house, I put it down to Bella herself.

"Thank you Edward, I can see your mate is eager to be off which offends my sensibilities a little but feel free to leave. Just remember that your work for me was private. I don't expect to hear you have told anyone...warned anyone should I say"

"I won't Aro. I'll forget about it when we drive off."

"Good Edward, I hope to have you work for me again some time and remember you are always welcome in Volterra, your beautiful mate too"

He knew that Tanya would die before she visited Volterra and he smiled as she shuddered at the thought. As we drove away I wondered who would win this battle. From Aro I understood the prize was ultimate power in our world and Aro wanted to retain that very much. How the girl and the locket fit in, things I'd also gleaned from his thoughts I couldn't make out. I hoped it was Aro because if not and anyone found out my part in the proceedings my life wouldn't be worth anything. If Caius didn't send the guard to find and kill me then Jasper would come and that thought frightened me even more.

"Did we do the right thing Edward?"

"We did the only thing we could Tanya. You don't refuse a request from Aro, not if you want to continue living. He has no concept of loyalty unless its to him personally."

"Do you think he will win?"

"I hope so but Bella makes me uneasy, she's too comfortable in our world and whatever powers she possesses now are nothing compared to the powers she will have as a vampire."

"What you mean is if Aro loses then we are dead anyway."

"Only if they find out what we did, so I suggest you forget all about our encounter with Aro, it never happened and you don't tell a soul, not even your sisters or Eleazer and Carmen. Our only safety lies in keeping silent."